1. Waze

If you drive much, Waze is the best app out there for reliable information on road conditions, traffic jams, police, and junk on the road. It requires the timely input of Waze users, and we must be a committed group. It is very timely every time I open it, and can reroute you if you ask. Users are also invited to update road maps via the web to reflect the newest additions and closures of streets.

2. WorldMate

With frequent trips to different cities and countries, keeping track of flights, car rentals and hotels can be a real challenge. WorldMate is the best of several apps I have tried for this purpose. Just forward the confirmation email you receive from a travel organization, and the app is automatically updated with addresses, reservation numbers, prices and maps. This app also reminds you if you have travel nights without hotel reservations, which has kept me out of late-night “homelessness” more than once!

3. HootSuite

If you are into social media at all, an app like HootSuite is a massive time saver. It’s easy to see tweets, Facebook, LinkedIn, and updates from other apps, all in one place. I don’t have the time or desire to check multiple valuable apps separately, so I just go here and get it all in neatly identified columns.

4. TripAdvisor

I don’t know why we believe the words of strangers more than we do ads, but I’m not the only one who uses TripAdvisor to check out potential hotels, restaurants and entertainment in cities all over the world. I haven’t been led astray yet.

5. Facebook

It may be hard for you to consider Facebook a business app, but in addition to helping me stay in touch with friends and family scattered all over the world, by “liking” certain pages I get frequent (but not overbearing) links to headline articles all in one app. The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Economist and the rest can swallow me alive if I let them. Fun feeds like Mashable, Jimmy Fallon, Colbert, and Jon Stewart help me laugh and learn.

My favorite app for fun

WatchESPN

I am a sports nut. Any app that does not assume I’m into fantasy teams and keeps me current on my favorite sports and teams is a candidate for this. The winner is WatchESPN simply because it allows me to watch multiple contests simultaneously (TV or live, phone, and tablet) and see teams that are not broadcast locally. I don’t use it daily, but when I do, I’m thrilled it exists.

Manufacturing businesses ranging from $100 million to $1 billion in annual sales value the advice of operations strategist Becky Morgan and her Finish Strong thinking. With more than 25 years consulting with manufacturers, preceded by 14 years of hands-on executive responsibilities, Morgan has contributed to the success of aerospace, food, machining, assembly, electronics, tool and die, jewelry, and process industry businesses. Morgan speaks with audiences typically ranging from 35-150 attendees.